Some users can now edit their DMs on X – here’s how
There’s no time limit to edit the message after it has been sent, distinguishing X from chat apps that have already introduced the feature.
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There’s no time limit to edit the message after it has been sent, distinguishing X from chat apps that have already introduced the feature.
The new feature is first launching for iOS users, but other platforms are “coming soon,” according to the social network’s engineering lead Mike Anderson, who first shared the news online.
To be able to take advantage of the new feature, users should download the latest version of the app. Here’s a helpful manual on how to edit the message, as per X’s support page:
Recipients will know that a user has edited the message, which is in line with how the feature works on other messaging platforms.
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“The feature enhances your ability to correct mistakes, refine your thoughts, or update information after sending a message,” X said.
However, users will not be able to edit encrypted messages or images, something that X is still working on, according to Anderson.
Edit DMs now available on iOS! Download the latest app to access the feature. Other platforms coming soon. pic.twitter.com/231fkxVI5u
undefined Mike (@cambridgemike) August 31, 2024
No deadlines
X, owned by Elon Musk, is late to the game when it comes to allowing users to edit messages. Users of Meta-owned apps such as Messenger and Instagram have been able to edit messages since December and March, respectively.
WhatsApp, also owned by Meta, introduced an edit feature in May last year, followed by Signal later in October. Telegram was ahead of the pack, launching an edit function all the way back in 2016.
Unlike those competitors, X said there would be no time limit to edit the messages, which means users can modify their messages at any time after they’ve been sent.
All Meta-owned platforms cap the edit time at 15 minutes. Signal allows users to alter their messages up to 24 hours after sending them, but restricts the total number of edits to 10 times, while messages on Telegram can be edited within 48 hours.
While there is no time limit on editing direct messages on X, the platform does not allow users to change the message more than five times.
“This ensures that the conversation remains coherent and prevents excessive revisions,” X said.
The platform also said that users will not “currently” be able to view the previous versions of the edited messages but noted they will be logged for security reasons, ensuring that “there’s a record of changes for moderation and user safety.”